Pioneering strategy to position Ireland as a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade
Local Minister and Dublin Fingal TD, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the publication of Food Vision 2030, a new decade-long, pioneering strategy for Ireland’s food and drinks sector which seeks to grow agri-food exports from €14bn to €21bn by 2030 – further enhancing Ireland’s position as global leader. The strategy which was launched by the Minister for Agriculture has been developed by a cross-sectoral committee of agri-food stakeholders and sets out four high-level missions to fulfil its ambition:
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “Tremendous progress has been made in the last decade in expanding the reach of Irish food and drink to consumers across the globe and Ireland is now one of very few countries to have developed an agri-food strategy using a food systems approach. “I am particularly pleased to see that vision two commits to a more equitable distribution of value in the food system. Improving price transparency is something I have long highlighted and is one method of improving returns to primary producers. Primary legislation, to be introduced before the end of 2021, will establish a new office of the National Food Ombudsman or regulator, something which I believe is much needed. “A common theme across each of the missions is the need to work towards a more resilient and diversified system, capable of coping with the risks associated with changes in economic and climatic circumstances. A diversity of farming, fishing and forestry systems offers the best approach towards achieving all forms of sustainability and one should not be considered better than the others. “The plan sets us on a clear pathway over the next decade to addressing the very real challenges which exist in the sector,” concluded Minister O’Brien.
Lack of recharging infrastructure is a barrier to the take-up of electric vehicles in the EU and the revised EPBD has new provisions which aim to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Electric vehicles offer great potential to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas and local air pollution emissions, and resulting climate change impact. These regulations require the implementation of appropriate infrastructure, to enable the installation at a later stage of recharging points for Electric Vehicles, for new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major renovation, with more than ten car parking spaces. They also require the installation of a minimum number of recharging points for all non-residential buildings with more than twenty car parking spaces by 1st January 2025. Commenting on the regulations, Minister O’Brien said: “These regulations will continue to enable our Climate Action targets in buildings. These new requirements for Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure add to the Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards already in place for all new buildings being constructed. The regulations will allow and accelerate the uptake of Electric Vehicles, creating and enabling infrastructure to achieve the Government commitment of nearly 1 million Electric Vehicles by 2030. We are sending a strong signal of Ireland’s commitment to the clean energy transition, as the building sector has a vast potential to contribute to a carbon-neutral and competitive economy.” The Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “I welcome these regulations signed by Minister O’Brien which will make it easier for people in new and renovated apartment buildings to join the Electric Vehicle revolution. Electric Vehicle sales are a growing proportion of new car sales, and as more people make the switch it is important that recharging infrastructure is available to facilitate their uptake. We are rolling out several initiatives this year and will shortly begin a consultation on how best to provide EV charging in existing apartment buildings.” |
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November 2023
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